Midfield
Callum McGregor with the Adidas Trophy after Celtic defeat Newcastle United 4-0 during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Paulo Bernardo of Celtic FC competes for the ball with Fahad Al-Rashidi of Al-Ahli SFC during the Como Cup match between Al-Ahli and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Midfield is perhaps Celtic’s most settled area. Captain Callum McGregor remains the ever-present heartbeat of the side, with Paulo Bernardo providing cover in the deep role.
Benjamin Nygren of Celtic Ajax v Celtic, Como Cup Pre Season Football, Football, Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como, Italy – 24 Jul 2025Como Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia Italy. Photo Shutterstock IMAGO
Arne Engels scores the first goal from the penalty spot during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels offer options on the right side of the midfield three — the former a new signing, the latter looking to kick on from a promising debut season. On the left, Reo Hatate staying put is a quiet but crucial piece of business — his creativity and press-resistance will again be vital. Luke McCowan, after an impressive debut season, offers a strong alternative.
Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Reo Hatate of Celtic FC runs with the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Image
Luke McCowan of Celtic FC celebrates with teammate Marco Tilio of Celtic FC after scoring a goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Celtic at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Six midfielders for three spots, with good profile variation and technical balance, gives Brendan Rodgers a solid platform to build around. If Celtic are in the transfer market for a midfielder it wouldn’t be a surprise, but would it be a priority right now? Possibly not.
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